Speyside Way

Quick Facts

Highlights

Visit the many distilleries along the way, including the renowned Glenfiddich!

Follow the magnificently clear waters of the River Spey all the way to Aviemore.

Savour the quiet of lesser trod paths and trails in this remote-feeling region of Scotland.

On the Tomintoul spur gaze up at the heather-clad Cairngorm Mountain plateau.

Admire the glorious woodland of Anagach and look out for the illusive Capercallie.

Arriving in Aviemore situated to the west of the Cairngorms and enjoying its tourist facilities.

A wonderful long distance walk ranging from 65 miles to 92 miles. As you make your way south-west from Buckie towards Aviemore you cannot fail to be impressed by the fantastic landscape in this whisky distilling region of North East Scotland.

You start on the rocky shores of the Moray Firth at Buckie a wee fishing port with about 8,000 inhabitants. From Buckie you aim for Fochabers for your overnight stay, and then continue onto Craigellachie where the Earth Pillars and Telford Bridge are very worthwhile side trips. From here an option is to walk the Dufftown spur and a visit to the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery for a whisky tour and a wee dram. Continuing to Ballindalloch with another optional spur to Tomintoul which gives magnificent views over the Cairngorm Mountain Range. Finally Grantown, with its Smokehouse, and Aviemore are reached to complete a wonderful few days walking through some of the best countryside Scotland has to offer.

The Independent Newspaper in Britain published a great article on 5 ways to enjoy a dram, suggesting "drambling" (what a wonderful name for the concept!) on the Speyside Whisky Trail with Macs Adventure.

This is a general stage by stage guide. For all the available day by day itineraries, please see the options on the right.

Stage 1: Buckie to Fochabers - 11 miles, 18 km

Starting from the fishing port of Buckie you follow the coastline of Spey Bay before turning left along a disused railway line to follow the River Spey to Fochabers.

Stage 2: Fochabers to Craigallachie - 13 miles, 21 km

You climb steeply as you leave Fochabers but are rewarded with expansive views over the Spey Valley and the Boat o’ Brig. After a stretch of mixed forest and farmland before reaching the small village of Craigallachie. The Craigallachie Hotel famously boasts 550 malt whiskies behind its bar.

Stage 3: Craigallachie to Ballindalloch - 12.5 miles, 20 km

You start your day following a pretty section of the Spey before passing close to Aberlour where you may wish to divert to visit the town’s distillery. A pleasant period of walking passes before you reach the hamlet of Ballindalloch.

Stage 4: Ballindalloch to Grantown - 14.5 miles, 23 km

This is a rougher section of more challenging walking with good views and lovely pinewoods between Cromdale and Grantown. Grantown-on-Spey is a charming village to while away an afternoon.

Stage 5: Grantown to Aviemore - 17 miles, 28 km

Today you enter Strathspey and the Cairngorm Mountains start to dominate the view to your left. The walking is easy and passes through farmland and uses old railway tracks to bring you to the bustling town of Aviemore, the end of your journey.

Spur 1: Dufftown Circuit - 12 miles, 19 km

The Dufftown Spur is a very pleasant excursion off the main route of the way and facilitates a visit to the world famous Glenfiddich Distillery. Well worth it if you are a whisky lover.

Spur 2: Tomintoul Spur - 15.5 miles, 25 km

Probably my favourite part of the Speyside Way as it ventures into the wild places of the Cairngorms and gives you a real insight into the reality of life in a small highland village. Oh, and you also pass by Glenlivet, which certainly helps you on your way.

Accommodation

One of the highlights of this walking holiday is the high standard of the accommodation you will enjoy. The hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s we use are hand-picked to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food. We do recommend that you book this trip early as the area is always popular and the hotels and inns do fill up early, especially in high season. You will find descriptions, photos and weblinks to a selection of the accommodation below.

Single Rooms

This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as all our holidays are priced per person based on two sharing there is a single supplement payable to cover the additional costs we incur. If you require single rooms within your party we will of course try to accommodate your request subject to availability.

Meals

Breakfast is included each morning while lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation will be more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival, alternatively your guidebook also includes details of local shops and convenient lunch stops on the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or nearby pubs and restaurants and your info pack will of course have recommendations.

Additional Nights

Many of our clients choose to add extra nights along the walk and these can be added at the time of booking. Aviemore is a great place to have an extra night at the end of your walk.

Highlander Inn - Craigellachie

Speybank - Craigellachie

Geraldine and Peter welcome you to their home which is a unique and traditional B&B in the heart of malt whisky country. They will look after you well and make sure you have a comfortable and relaxing stay.

Argyle House - Tomintoul

Dunallan House - Grantown on Spey

Situated in a quiet location, yet only a short stroll to all amenities in Grantown On Spey, Dunallan offers quality Scottish Tourist Board 4 Star accommodation in a large lovingly restored Victorian Villa.

Ravenscraig - Aviemore

Beautifully decorated throughout and offering a warm welcome with Highland hospitality, Ravenscraig provides the perfect location for enjoying the wealth of outdoor pursuits in the area.

Availability

The Speyside Way is available from April to October, to start on any day of the week.

Grade & Terrain

This trip is graded easy to moderate overall. Daily walking distances very between 6 - 17 miles, depending on which itinerary you choose. Some days will be more challenging than others and the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths. There are ascents and descents involved, so a good level of fitness will be required.

We offer 5 excellent itineraries from the direct 5 day route to adding on one, or both spurs. The 17 mile last day from Grantown to Aviemore can be shortened by taking the Strathspey Railway from Boat of Garten to Aviemore, saving your legs 6 miles or about two hours of walking.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Solo Walkers

This walking holiday is available to solo walkers but as we incur additional baggage transfer costs there is a solo walker supplement payable.

Baggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the cost of your holiday. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

Equipment

Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.

Dogs

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers do not accept pets.

General Information

The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the
recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items,
for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes
standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and
waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for
summer, and a day pack.

Getting to Buckie and from Aviemore

Air: Aberdeen and Inverness both have airports which are convenient for the Speyside Way. Use one of the following modes of transport listed below to get you to the start and finish of the walk.

Road: Buckie is approximately 60 miles and a one hour drive from both Inverness and Aberdeen. Aviemore is 30 miles south of Inverness and 120 miles north of Edinburgh on the A9.

Rail: If travelling via Inverness, a change of train to Keith (2 hours) and then a bus (35 mins) to Buckie is required. If travelling via Aberdeen a change of train to Keith (1 hour 30 mins) and then a bus (35 mins) to Buckie is required. From Aviemore to Inverness is 30 mins and to Edinburgh is 1 hour 30 mins.

Included

Hand-picked accommodation in B&B’s and small Hotels, in en-suite rooms wherever possible

Daily door to door baggage transfer.

Taxi Transfers as detailed in your itinerary.

A detailed information pack for the group leader including guidebook, local information, detailed travel information and a recommended kit list.

Emergency support from our offices in the event of a problem.

Excluded

Travel to / from Buckie / Aviemore.

Lunches, dinners, snacks or drinks.

Travel Insurance.

Personal Equipment.

Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.

Extras

Additional nights

Planning a trip on the Speyside Way can be daunting, especially if this is your first long distance walking holiday. We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.

How fit do I need to be?

The Speyside Way is a relatively easy walk so if you are a regular walker or lead and active lifestyle you'll enjoy the walk. We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the Speyside Way is extremely popular especially over April/May and July/August. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.

What personal equipment do I need?

You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc.

When is the best time of year?

Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.

Which direction should I walk?

We recommend you walk from North to South as all the guidebooks are written in this direction and this is also our personal preference. If you would prefer to walk from South to North we can of course accommodate you.

How do the baggage transfers work?

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved on to your next overnight accommodation. We ask that you limit your luggage to one bag of up to 15kg per person.

Am I able to take my dog?

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.

What happens if I can’t walk a stage?

You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.

Just make this famous long distance walk !!

5

Having walked the West Highland Way three years ago, the Speyside Way has a widely different character. The landscape is not as rough and remote, you experience longer walks through forest areas, farmland and smaller villages. The cliché of the typical Highland is better matched on the WHW, but the mix of the scenery of coastal areas, riverside, hillwalk, distilleries, Speyside cooperage, possibility of the famous Tomintoul spur (a must, strictly to recommend!!), interesting small villages is a big plus of the Speyside Way. The daily walk is not as easy as in several tour guides supposed - Macs Adventure´s app of the track was a thankful help - so do not underestimate the work to do! Nevertheless a distinct sports training in advance is not necessary. I would recommend this tour for every walker, who loves a mix of nature and a certain amount of civilization.

Uwe

Cologne

2018-10-10

true

Incredible service from MACS Adventures!

5

Customer service when planning the trip over the phone was wonderful. I felt appreciated and cared for which was a great start. The entire trip was clearly organized for me, including the taxi ride I needed due to my addition of the Tomintoul Spur which I highly recommend. The B&B's were lovely and the owners quite friendly. All I had to do was walk and enjoy myself. Luggage was taken care of daily as well. What a beautiful experience! I also walked the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way

ScottishGabs

Las Vegas

2018-10-01

true

A lovely week

4

A great trip and lovely weather - hardly any rain. Everything worked well. Scenery beautiful. Lots of wildlife and surprisingly quiet.

the Lithgy Two

Scotland

2018-05-24

true

Terrific five day walk.

5

Super trip enhanced by tremendous weather. All went smoothly (apart from a phone call on day 3 informing us that our bag hadn't been collected from the B&B - it was, however, at our accommodation by the time we arrived at our next stop). Helpful, friendly hosts every evening. Additional bonus - i was during the Speyside Whisky Festival.

Jim the Golfer

Aberdeenshire

2018-05-18

true

Speyside Walking

4

We all enjoyed the diversity of the trails but the trails through farmland were not hikable.
Too much mud, cow dung and mucky muck.

Bee

Michigan

2017-09-29

true

Lovely hike

5

I really loved the hike. It was my first time doing such a trip and I walked it by myself. The B&B's and hotels were perfect. Also the transfer of the luggage was great.
I also liked the guide and map that I received. I used them both, especially the map to read it together with my compass.
It was an experience that I will never forget!

MH

Utrecht

2017-05-04

true

The whole trip was perfectly organize with no glitches

4

The trip and the walk were a fantastic experience: Great countryside, nice towns, interesting distilleries. Macs did a very good job organizing; everything worked, on-time. Their hotels and taxis were there exactly as planned without us having to confirm anything. The accommodations were in general good: nice and friendly small hotels and B&B's, with the one exception being the hotel in Tomintoul.

Whisky walker

Texas

2016-09-26

true

The Speyside Way and Tomintoul Spur.

5

It's great. You just get in touch with Macs Adventure and they take care of everything, so carefree holiday with no accommodation worries or anything.

Happy ramblers

Scotland

2016-07-15

true

Great Active Getaway

4

We had a great time walking the Way. Our weather was very nice, and it's a beautiful part of the world to walk through. We met some great people, and got to do a couple of distillery tours. My only two criticisms are that we had some issues with the type of room required, and some informational issues. We specified that we needed two beds at each location, but had three different places where they only had one bed. We managed to fix two of those. The other issue was that we would have liked more information about visiting distilleries, and how to go about booking them.

Cam

Oregon, USA

2016-06-17

true

Excellent

4

I'm fine with most of the things. 3 of 6 accomodations were great, two were o.k, one bad. Next time I would book in addition better B&B with minimum ++++.

Peter, the silent runner

Mannheim

2015-10-05

true

Speyside Way

4.439

100.0

Select Your Itinerary

Speyside Way (Both Spurs) - 9 Days & 8 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Buckie and Overnight
Day 2: Walk to Fochabers: 11m/18km
Day 3: Walk to Craigellachie: 13m/21km
Day 4: Walk the Dufftown Spur, overnight Craigellachie: 12m/19km
Day 5: Walk to Ballindalloch: 12.5m/20km
Day 6: Walk to Tomintoul: 15.5m/25km
Day 7: Taxi back to Ballindalloch, Walk to Grantown and Overnight: 14.5m/23km
Day 8: Walk to Aviemore: 17m/28km
Day 9: Onward Travel

Speyside Way - 7 Days & 6 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Buckie and Overnight
Day 2: Walk to Fochabers: 11m/18km
Day 3: Walk to Craigellachie: 13m/21km
Day 4: Walk to Ballindalloch: 12.5m/20km
Day 5: Walk to Grantown: 14.5m/23km
Day 6: Walk to Aviemore: 17m/28km
Day 7: Onward Travel

Speyside Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Buckie and Overnight
Day 2: Walk to Fochabers: 11m/18km
Day 3: Walk to Craigellachie: 13m/21km
Day 4: Walk to Ballindalloch: 12.5m/20km
Day 5: Walk to Grantown: 14.5m/23km
Day 6: Walk to Boat of Garten: 11m/18km
Day 7: Walk to Aviemore: 6m/10km
Day 8: Onward Travel

Speyside Way (Tomintoul Spur) - 8 Days & 7 Nights

Day 1: Arrive Buckie and Overnight
Day 2: Walk to Fochabers: 11m/18km
Day 3: Walk to Craigellachie: 13m/21km
Day 4: Walk to Ballindalloch:12.5m/20km
Day 5: Walk to Tomintoul: 15.5m/25km
Day 6: Taxi back to Ballindalloch, Walk to Grantown and Overnight: 14.5m/23km
Day 7: Walk to Aviemore: 17m/28km
Day 8: Onward Travel

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Is this tour for me?

The perfect trip for discovering the whisky, water and land of Scotland on tranquil trails. The Speyside Way is an easy-going walking trip on following paths through ancient pine forests, and through charming Highland villages on way-marked paths. All of this culminates in a week or so of relaxed walking with as many distillery visits as you choose.

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